LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was a day filled with reflection, celebration and anticipation for the future as soon-to-be graduates at Lima Senior High School gathered for their annual convocation ceremony Tuesday morning.
More than $2.5 million in scholarships were awarded to members of the Class of 2026. The scholarships included academic, athletic, medical and family memorial awards recognizing student achievement and future goals.
Many students also personalized their mortar boards to express their excitement and individuality ahead of graduation.
Senior Alexandria Weber said receiving scholarship support has eased concerns about continuing her education.
“It's really exciting just knowing that now it's less we have to worry about, and I'm able to continue my education,” Weber said. “I'm going to Otterbein University for zoo and conservation science.”
Classmate Eliot Spallinger said attending Bowling Green State University will allow an opportunity to combine creative and business interests.
“I'm going to BGSU, and I'm going to major in fashion merchandising and sales,” Spallinger said. “I've always been interested in fashion and, like, sewing, and I love marketing, because I'm in DECA, the program at Lima Senior, so it's like something that I can mix both sides of my creative side and my marketing side.”
Members of the Lima City School Class of 1976, who are celebrating their 50th class reunion, also paid it forward by giving each graduate in the Class of 2026 a gift of $76. Organizers said the money came with no strings attached and encouraged students to use it to enjoy themselves as they prepare for their next chapter.
Lima Senior’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
